How should we help?

Without Resentment

Read Deuteronomy 15: 9-10

This passage is one of the many throughout the Bible reminding us that how we give is just as important as what we give. We are reminded not to look grudgingly on the poor brother and give reluctantly but rather to give freely and without resentment.

Often, resentment toward the poor develops when we view ourselves as the rulers and owners of our time, treasure, and talents. It can be easy to find our security in a savings account rather than in Christ. Maybe you don’t struggle with giving your treasure – but what about your time? Especially in Western culture, it can be all too easy to fill up our Google and Apple calendars until they are a colorful mosaic of work, meetings, soccer practices, and everything in between. Many of these activities can be God-honoring things, but if we become so busy that we feel we must hoard our free time from God, we may need to relax our commitments and create the time and space for God to use us.

When we recognize that our time, money, and skills belong to God, giving without resentment becomes much easier. In fact, if we do this, we’re told that we will be blessed in our work and all that we undertake.

Read Proverbs 19:17

Reflection

1. Are there any barriers in your life preventing you from giving freely without resentment? What are they?

2. How is God calling you to respond to these barriers?